Aeonium castello-paivae is a compact, densely branching succulent subshrub native to La Gomera in the Canary Islands. It is recognized for its pastel colors, elegant mounded growth habit, and its historical namesake—the 19th-century Portuguese botanist, Baron of Castelo de Paiva.
Taxonomy of Aeonium castello-paivae
Scientific Name
Aeonium castello-paivae C. Bolle
Synonym(s)
Sempervivum castello-paivae, Aeonium paivae, Sempervivum paivae
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Etymology
The generic name "Aeonium" (pronounced "ee-OH-nee-um") means "long-lasting" and refers to the enduring, perennial nature of the plants in this genus.
The specific epithet "castello-paivae" (pronounced "kas-TEL-oh PAY-vee") honors António da Costa Paiva🡕, Baron of Castelo de Paiva (1806–1879), a Portuguese botanist, naturalist, doctor, teacher, and nobleman.
Description
Aeonium castello-paivae is a succulent plant that forms compact clumps of rosettes of green leaves with pink margins when grown in full sun. It can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and is usually about as wide as it is tall. The rosettes can reach a diameter of up to 4 inches (10 cm).
The flowers are white, star-shaped, and appear in late spring and into summer.
Origin
Aeonium castello-paivae is native to the rocky cliffs of La Gomera in the Canary Islands.
Cultivars of Aeonium castello-paivae
How to Grow and Care for Aeonium castello-paivae
Light: Aeonium castello-paivae thrives in full sun to partial shade, but in summer, it may need light shade, especially during the hotter afternoon hours. When growing indoors, ensure it receives as much bright indirect light as possible to prevent it from becoming leggy and stretched.
Soil: Unlike most succulents, this plant requires sandy loam or a standard potting soil amended with perlite. Avoid pre-made succulent mixes, as they typically hold less moisture than this plant needs.
Temperature: Aeonium castello-paivae does not like hot or dry weather, so it may go dormant in summer. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25°F to 50°F (-3.9°C to 10°C).
Watering: Water the plant thoroughly in spring and fall, allowing the soil to dry before watering again. Water it more sparingly during the winter. While this plant needs more water than most succulents, too much moisture can cause root rot. Stop watering except in arid conditions during summer dormancy.
Fertilizing: To promote healthy growth, apply a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Feed only during the growing season.
Repotting: If growing Aeonium castello-paivae in a container, repot it every 2 to 3 years in spring. Choose a container with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Propagation: This plant is easy to propagate by taking cuttings in spring. Before planting, let the cut end dry for several days. You can also start it from seeds. For best results, sow the seeds in spring.
Learn more in "How to Grow and Care for Aeonium."
Toxicity of Aeonium castello-paivae
Aeonium castello-paivae is considered non-toxic, so it is safe for growing around children and pets.
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Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Aeonium.
- Explore all plants within the family Crassulaceae.